Fraud Blocker Botswana Elephant Safari - The Wild Source

Botswana Elephant Safari

Pricing:

From $8,190 per person sharing

Trip Dates:

Year Round (price based on April/May)

Trip Length:

11 Days

An elephant wades in the waters of the Okavango Delta.

Trip Details:

This elephant-focused African Safari takes you to one of the best locations in all of Africa for seeing and interacting with elephants: Northern Botswana. Botswana is an ideal elephant habitat and is world-renowned for its incredible numbers of elephants, estimated to be upwards of 130,000.

Northern Botswana is considered by many to be the premier elephant safari destination. Elephant sightings are astounding – as are viewing opportunities for other wildlife. Camps are set in magical locations, service is supreme and the standard of guiding is very high. Due to the remote and wild nature of the camps you will have short flights between locations, an incredibly scenic way to change camps as you take in the scenery and can often spot wildlife below.

Highlights include an (ethical) elephant experience at The Elephant Camp in Victoria Falls, boat safaris on the Chobe River where it is possible to see herds in the hundreds coming to the river to drink, bathe, and baby elephants playing. Your viewing opportunities aren’t limited to elephants as wildlife sightings of a wide variety of animals are frequent in the world-class wilderness of the Okavango Delta.

View Full Safari Itinerary:

This safari features some of the most outstanding elephant-focused opportunities available in wildlife travel:

Safari Overview

Day 1 - 4

You will need to book an international flight arriving to Maun, Botswana (MUB). Welcome to Botswana! You are met on arrival at the Maun Airport after clearing customs and baggage with your name on a paging board and assisted with checking in for your bush flight into the Okavango Delta. Touch down at the airstrip where you are met on arrival and transferred to Stanley’s Camp. Activities here include game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro.
Overnight Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp

Day 4 - 7

Transfer to the airstrip for your scenic bush flight across the Okavango Delta into the northern region for your stay at the Shinde Private Concession. Met at the airstrip and transferred to Shinde Camp. With access to permanent water channels and excellent land-based activities, this is a great region to see a wide breadth of species while also enjoying fantastic wild elephant viewing. Activities include game drives, guided bush walks, and boat-based activities (water levels permitting).
Overnight Shinde

Day 7 - 9

Bush flight transfer to the Kasane Airport where you are met and transferred to Chobe Chilwero Safari Lodge on the edge of the famed Chobe National Park, home to the largest population of elephants in Africa. Activities here include morning and afternoon game drives, fishing excursions, community tours, and mid-morning and sunset cruises on the river. In addition to the abundance of elephants that can be seen, especially in the dry season months, the area is also excellent for viewing puku and other unique antelope species as well as various predators.

Day 9-11

This morning, you are met at the lodge and transferred across the border from Botswana into Zimbabwe. You are assisted through customs and continue to the town of Victoria Falls for your stay approximately 20 minutes outside of town at The Elephant Camp. Activities include sundowners at Batoka Gorge, birding and nature walks on the concession, a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, village tour, guided tour of the Falls, an elephant encounter, mountain bike rides through Victoria Falls National Park, unguided cycling through town, a Victoria Falls canopy tour, lunch at the Lookout Café (includes drinks), and twice-daily shuttle transfer into Victoria Falls town.

Day 11

Enjoy a final morning at the lodge with a transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport in time to connect to your return flight home via Johannesburg (not included).

Safari Overview

Key Dates

1) Day 1 – 4: Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp, Okavango Delta

2) Day 4 – 7: Shinde, Okavango Delta

3) Day 7 – 9: Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Chobe

4) Day 9 – 11: The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls National Park

About The Wild Source

About The Wild Source

Africa overwhelms the senses, and the options for elephant safaris can be overwhelming. That’s where The Wild Source comes in.

We live and work in Africa and the USA. The Wild Source was founded by African big cat researcher Bill Given to create a safari planning company that could apply wildlife biologist knowledge to develop safaris tailored specifically to the wildlife interests of each traveler.

We provide the convenience of a Colorado based planning office but also have a full Tanzanian registered ground operation with an office in Arusha. The Wild Source employs a staff of 20 in Africa and we have our own remarkable guides and camps. We have partnerships with the other major camp owners to be able to offer the full range of possibilities for each itinerary. Ultimately it is all about relationships, and our special community spanning two continents makes The Wild Source uniquely positioned to create and deliver a safari that exceeds your dreams.

The Wild Source Difference

Wildlife Biologist-Planning & Unparalleled Safari Guiding

A safari should be a profound experience. Great guides can touch your heart and fill your mind with a new understanding of the natural world that surrounds you. Witness astonishing wildlife, complete with fascinating behaviors and interactions between species. Engage with people who are soulful and welcoming. Safari is like no other journey, yet most people find a fast familiarity buried deep in their DNA as this is a return to our origins.
A trip to Africa can often overwhelm the senses, much like the number of safari operators available to consumers today can make travel planning an overwhelming decision. That’s where The Wild Source comes in.

So… what makes The Wild Source different from mainstream operators?

The Wild Source is a mission-driven safari operator. We specialize in wildlife biologist-planned safaris, using travel as a conservation tool to empower local people and conserve wildlife and wild places. We are known for our remarkable guiding team, serious wildlife viewing, and creating camp ownership opportunities for local people.

Day 1 - 4

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is located in Southern Africa and is the largest intact inland delta in the world, and is exceptionally rich in wildlife. Situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, the Delta is characterized by meandering deep water channels lined with papyrus reeds that open up into larger lagoons and islands; these in turn give way to seasonal floodplains and eventually large tracts of dry land where animals congregate. Fed by the Okavango River and rains from the highlands of Angola, the Delta can vary in size from 15,000 sq km (5,800 sq mi) during drier periods to a staggering 22,000 sq kms (8,500 sq mi) during wetter periods.
The game viewing depends on season, floodwaters and food availability but it is one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world. In addition to big game viewing, visitors come to experience the supreme tranquility and serenity of an untouched delta, and scenes of extraordinary natural beauty. It consistently produces very good predator action with considerable elephant herd viewing opportunities as well as a reintroduced (predominantly white) rhino population.
Botswana is the premiere destination for African Elephant viewing with number of wild elephants far surpassing destinations in east Africa – including legendary National Parks like Kruger National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Even Tanzania’s Amboseli National Park – which is known for elephant viewing. According to the WWF, Botswana is home to over 70% of all remaining African Elephants.

Sanctuary Stanley's Camp

A classic tented camp located on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp offers a varied game viewing experience. Set among ebony and sausage trees, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is located on a 260,000 acre private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The natural wonders of the area constantly change over the seasons, from lush green when the rain flows down the Angolan highlands, to dry savannah when the neighboring Kalahari Desert tightens its grip on the terrain.
This traditional safari camp has a large lounge area and dining area with incredible views over the floodplains in front of camp. The main area features a bar from where refreshing drinks are always served with a smile, a small library area and curio shop. From the swimming pool – a real treat after a hot day of game viewing – guests can watch giraffe and other plains game march across the savannah. You may even be fortunate enough to take in an African Wild Dog hunt. Everything about Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is built to the highest ecological standards so that we don’t damage this highly sensitive area.

Experience & Activities

Game drives in this region are unique, as water crossings are part of the adventure, and watching zebra standing belly-deep in water, grazing, is a sight to see. Even giraffe will cross water up to their hocks. During higher water levels, game drives will be combined with excursions in traditional dug out canoes called mokoros.

The camp’s professional guides can also show you the bush on foot. This is a chance to see the Delta from a different perspective, one that is up close and personal with the surrounding environment.

Scenic helicopter flights are also available and involve flying west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by safari vehicle or boat.

Accommodations

The intimate camp features only ten safari canvas tents, each individually designed, furnished with African antiques that exude a classic and understated elegance that harks back to the explorers and colonialists of the 19th century. Each tent has a large wooden deck providing private areas where you can relax while soaking in the surrounding sights and sounds or enjoy cocktails, before dinner is served in the spectacular dining mess.

Highlights

  • Traditional tented safari camp allows for an authentic safari experience
  • Wildlife viewing from the swimming pool
  • Explore the wildlife and surroundings by jeep, guided walks, dugout canoes or helicopter

Quick facts

  • Ten tents
  • Located on a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve which means we can offer walking and night drives
  • Seasonal mokoro excursions available
  • Several active hyena dens close to camp
  • Opportunity for tranquil water lunches seasonally

Shinde

Shinde’s excellent location in the Okavango Delta ensures a combination of permanent water access for year-round water activities and large dry areas for game drive routes. This blend of environments provides the habitat for a consistently wide variety of wildlife, including the elusive sitatunga antelope and a healthy population of leopards.
The camp’s unique main area is built in a “treehouse style” comprising of lounges, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a fire deck all with beautiful views over a permanent lagoon and under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees. The tents and main area provide a luxury experience with a touch of historical charm. The décor of the camp offers the best of nature within an authentic safari design – still with the understated, friendly, and intimate Ker & Downey Botswana feel: elegant, classic, opulent ‘Out of Africa’ meets worldly sophistication.

Experience & Activities

Shinde is situated on a private concession which allows guided walks, mokoro excursions and night drives in addition to game drives and motorboat trips.

Motorboats or mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. When out on game drives a window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available, while fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish.

Accommodations

Each tent is comprised of a large bedroom and en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower. There is the choice of either a double or twin bed configuration with comfortable three-quarter, extra length, or king-sized beds. Every possible comfort has been catered for – from full solar electricity, standing and ceiling fans through to yoga mats and hair dryers!

Highlights

  • Awarded five star status by Botswana Tourism Board
  • EcoTourism Certified
  • Private concession offering both land and water activities
  • Game drives and night drives with spot light
  • Explore the delta by motor boat and mokoro
  • Walking safaris accompanied by expertly trained and armed guides
  • Fishing
  • Spend more time in the bush with half and full day safari adventures with picnic lunches

Quick facts

    • Seven spacious en-suite tents

    • Family en-suite tent with 2 bedrooms, sleeping 5 guests

    • Outdoor shower with a view

    • Swimming Pool

    • Wifi in camp – limited

    • Minimum age 7 years

Chobe, Botswana

Chobe National Park

Area Overview

Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana in easy driving distance to Kasane and Victoria Falls. Chobe is Botswana’s first designated national park and, at over 11,700 km2 (4,500 mi2), is one of the largest. The greater Chobe area consists of the Chobe River, Savute, and Linyanti, which combined is home to Africa’s largest elephant population.

There is a rich variety of landscapes in addition to the famed riverfront including vast floodplains, woodlands, grasslands, and clay pans which can be enjoyed by boating safaris and game drives.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero

Property Overview

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside retreat in the heart of the bush on the edge of Chobe National Park, home to the world’s largest remaining population of elephants.
Sitting above the Chobe River, the lodge offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and floodplains as far across as Namibia. This is an incredibly luxurious lodge with just 15 suites, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit. Relax in the split-level swimming pool, unwind with a pampering session in the spa or enjoy the gourmet food that the lodge has become known for.

Experience & Activities

Game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles bring elephants, where the largest population left in Africa occupies, into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water’s edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives lead by qualified professional guides bring you close to hippos, buffalos, puku and other animals that gather on the banks of the Chobe River.
Sundowner cruises are a great way of seeing buffalo up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings and elephants as they wade in the river. The safari boat can seat up to 18 guests and has a lower and upper deck, offering a great exclusive to enjoying the Chobe area especially for photographic enthusiasts. Other activities include children’s programs, fishing excursions, a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and a visit to the local community.

Accommodations

Each of the 14 thatched suites has an en-suite bathroom featuring a large free-standing bath and separate rain shower. After a day of game viewing, what better way to relax than in your own private garden with a cocktail? Or if the fancy takes you, why not have your gourmet dinner served right here under the African sky. Coffee stations and Wi-Fi are available for guest in all rooms.

Highlights

  • Experience fine dining while enjoying panoramic views over the Chobe River
  • Families with children of all ages welcome
  • Split-level swimming pool

Highlights

  • Highest concentration of elephants in Africa on lodge’s doorstep
  • Full service spa, including treetop treatment room
  • Three family suites featuring an extra bedroom
  • Sundowner cruises on the Chobe River in our customised boats
  • Air-conditioned lodge

Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe

Area Overview

Victoria Falls National Park is a tiny piece of protected land surrounding Victoria Falls, one of the world’s three great waterfalls. Situated in western Zimbabwe in the town of Victoria Falls, the views are incredible and you can follow a path right along the edge of the gorge. The mighty Zambezi river creates a roar and a huge spray of mist that can be seen from many miles away. The falls are also known as Mosi-oa- Tunya, an incredibly descriptive name that captures the essence of this very special place so well – translating to the “Smoke that Thunders.”
As a result of the spray from the falls, a mini rainforest exists in the surrounding area, creating a wildlife hotspot. Species such as lion and leopard occasionally come through while sightings of elephants are more common. Above the falls, hippo and crocodiles abound, amongst a large array of wildlife – an added bonus to a visit to this World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

The Elephant Camp

Property Overview

The main area boasts a beautiful sunken fire pit and swimming pool while the suites are equipped with a private viewing deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower. The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls, promises an intimate safari experience within the wilderness.
The Elephant Camp West has been specifically designed to meet the needs of smaller groups and families looking for a more intimate and exclusive safari experience. Although The Elephant Camp West operates separately to the main camp, it embodies the same authenticity, luxury and environmentally sensitive premise.

Experience & Activities

The Elephant Camp is more than a destination- it is an experience, an encounter and a cultural connection. Witness the magnificent power of the Victoria Falls, immerse yourself in the heritage and lifestyle of a local community on the Village Tour and translate knowledge to change at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. The Elephant Camp offers guests an empowering tapestry of experiences that come together to inform the heart, educate the mind and reconnect guests with the natural rhythm of nature.
Additional activities available at The Elephant Camp include; spa treatments, game drives, elephant encounter, Chobe day trip, white water rafting, elephant art safari, scenic helicopter flights and much more!

Accommodations

Each tent adorns a spacious deck, a private plunge pool and an outside shower, all of which are ideal locations for relaxation and appreciation of the surrounding landscape. Baths offers an unparalleled view of the horizon. The rooms have been deliberately sculpted to celebrate the openness of the African bush, and there is an easy flow from the bathroom to bedroom to private lounging area that spreads onto the spacious deck through glass French doors. The Standard Luxury Tented Suites accommodate 2 guests in either a double or twin set-up.

Highlights

  • Panoramic views of the Falls.
  • 2 luxury main areas.
  • Family friendly (West Camp)
  • A selection of complementary activites.

Quick facts

  • Luxury Suites ideal for families.
  • Plunge pools and main lodge pool.
  • Spa facilities.
  • A selection of included and excluded Activities.

Botswana Elephant Safari Costs

Cost is from $8,190 per person sharing

  • Based on travel in 2024 shoulder season April-May; June-Oct. higher price for peak season.
  • Quotes for singles, children or other numbers of people available upon request.
  • Price quoted above is a discounted pay by check or bank wire price. Payment by Visa or MasterCard would be at the non-cash discount price of $8,518 per person.
  • Accommodation is subject to availability.

This cost includes:

  • Internal bush flights and road transfers starting in Maun, Botswana and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Activities listed in the detailed itinerary
  • Accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry, and park/conservation fees unless otherwise noted below.

This cost does not include:

  • International Air to and from Johannesburg. You also need a flight from Johannesburg South Africa to Maun and from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg.
  • Tips – On safari we recommend $25 per person per day — $10 to your guide, $5 to your tracker, and $10 to the camp staff. In city hotels $1 a bag.
  • Any optional additional activities in Victoria Falls area beyond the many that are included, such as helicopter over the Falls.
  • COVID -19 testing if required.
  • Lunch, dinner, drinks or laundry at City Lodge in Johannesburg.
  • Depending on your international departure, you may need a dayroom which we can arrange at additional cost.
  • Zimbabwe Entry Visa (currently $30 per person)
  • Victoria Falls entry fee of $20
  • Excess baggage costs for luggage beyond internal flight weight restrictions; passenger body weight in excess of 220 lbs may incur additional flight costs.
  • Travel Insurance is required by the camps. As a service to our clients, we provide complimentary quotes from Travel Guard or you are welcome to secure your own policy.
  • Health – visit to a Travel Clinic and any medications or vaccines needed.
  • Note: If the government institutes a tax increase, The Wild Source reserves the right to extend the increase, which could apply to national park fees, departure taxes, and tourism tax.

Terms and Conditions

  • A 30% non-refundable deposit confirms booking.
  • Full payment is due 90 days before tour date. 
  • Bookings made within 90 days of tour date must be settled in full on confirmation of the booking.
  • Cancellations of bookings will be subject to the following terms:
    • Cancellation from confirmation date until 91 days from tour date – forfeit the 30% deposit. 
    • Cancellation 90 days or less from tour date – forfeit 100% of tour cost.
Note: If the government institutes a tax increase, The Wild Source reserves the right to extend the increase, which could apply to national park fees, departure taxes, and tourism tax.
Ready to book? Here is what happens next:
  1. Confirmation: Please confirm with your safari planner via email or phone that you are ready to book! (This is very important so we can confirm with your camps and vendors, who only hold space for 7-10 days typically).
  2. Payment: Your invoice will be sent to you directly from our accounting system. Please watch for emails from [email protected].
  3. Access Your Guest Portal: A unique access link will be sent to you via email. You will need to set up a login within 14 days to continue accessing the Portal, where we provide pre-trip guidance and documents you will need for travel.
  4. Meet Your Operations Specialist: Your planner has a direct operations teammate who will help you prepare for travel and manage your client records. They will be introduced to you in the confirmation email.
  5. Client Forms: Fill out and return client forms for each traveler at this link and send us copies of your passports.
  6. Provide Proof of Travel Insurance: We’ll need your policy number and the name and phone number of the insurance provider. It is essential that coverage is obtained within 14 days of making your initial deposit.
  7. Flights: Book the required international/commercial flights for your itinerary and send us the confirmed details.

CONTACT US

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